After sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, Wyatt Lowell was expected to make a splash in the 2020-21 season.
The 6-foot-10 forward was not only going to add height and length, but also add stability to a squad that graduated seven seniors — including three starters and two key reserves. However, the Utah Valley transfer may have to wait even longer to make his debut as a Cougar.
On Wednesday morning, Lowell posted on Instagram that he will be having surgery on a torn labrum — an injury he sustained last week playing basketball.
“Hey y’all, I’m heading into surgery today,” Lowell posted. “I tore my labrum playing basketball last week. I’m super sad but this stuff happens and I’m excited to get back with the guys asap. Go cougs!”
The Cougars are familiar with this type of injury, seemingly losing Gavin Baxter last season to the same injury in late September.
Instead of sitting out the entire season, Baxter opted to have surgery to try to come back to the team before the season ended. And he did.
Baxter was able to get back on the court 4.5 months later.
If Lowell’s surgery and recovery period turns out to be similar to Baxter’s, the Arizona native could find himself back during the season as well.
Lowell was one of three Utah Valley transfers that joined the program last year, including Richard Harward and then-graduate transfer Jake Toolson.
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